Erma Byrd Center

The Erma Byrd Higher Education Center and Allied Health Wing

Photo of the Erma Byrd Center building at night
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Bluefield State College logo
Concord University logo
WV School of Osteopathic Medicine logo

COVID-19 Pandemic Information:
Visit the WV Higher Education Policy Commission's page for COVID-19 updates.

HISTORY

Expanding College Access & Fueling Economic Development in Southern West Virginia

In 2012, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission assumed operation of the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center -- the Mountain State's first higher education collaborative.

Working close with the nonprofit Higher Education Foundation, which secured funding for the campus, the Commission and its campus collaborators are promoting greater innovation and efficiency in higher education through this groundbreaking partnership.

Five years later, the Erma Byrd Higher Education Complex is now home to the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Allied Health Wing, and the main campus of New River Community and Technical College -- making the Complex a cutting edge resource for expanding access to higher education and fueling economic development throughout southern West Virginia.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

At this University Drive Complex, students can pursue degree offerings (both in seat and online) ranging from certificates to a doctoral degree.

Campus and Complex partners:

ALLIED HEALTH WING

Working to meet WV's demand for qualified healthcare professionals

In 2015, the Commission opened a second collaborative facility at the Complex.  Known as the WVHEPC Allied Health Wing, the new facility focuses on expanding access to healthcare education to meet our state's demand for qualified healthcare providers.

Bluefield State College, Concord University, New River Community and Technical College, and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine's Southeastern Regional Operations offer classes, testing, and education days at both the Allied Health Wing and at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center.

Students are pursuing programs in (but not limited to) the following: Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Emergency Medical Technology (EMT), Laboratory Technology, and Medical Assisting at the facility.

CAMPUS

The Complex includes three modern buildings:

  • The Erma Byrd Higher Education Center
  • The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Allied Health Wing
  • New River Community and Technical College's main campus

CAMPUS PERKS

Students attending classes or completing programs at The Erma Byrd Higher Education Center & Allied Health Wing enjoy the following perks:

  • FREE parking
  • On-site security
  • WiFi access
  • Quiet study areas
  • Student-centered customer service
  • Quality education
  • Close to home
  • Caring faculty and staff
  • Enjoyable environment
  • Market-style vending

COLLABORATION

Driving innovation and efficiency through system wide collaboration

The Complex allows its campus partners --- and business and community organizations in the area --- to minimize costs by sharing and renting state-of-the-art facilities, including:

  • classrooms
  • distance learning labs
  • science labs
  • computer labs
  • lecture halls
  • administrative offices
  • conference rooms
  • faculty work spaces, and
  • a multi-media library.

COLLABORATIVE AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

In addition to providing West Virginia students with higher education options close to home, the Complex also plays an important role as a community center.  It organizes and plays host to regional job fairs, blood drives, public lectures, conferences and K12 academic events.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Areas of Study:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Nursing (LPN, ADN, RN, MSN, FNP)
  • Radiology
  • Business
  • Social Work
  • Education

ONLINE ACCESS

The Erma Byrd Higher Education Center serves as a reliable access point for online students enrolled in programs offered at partnering institutions.  The Center has a dedicated Student Online Collaboration Room for online students who want to meet, study and complete assignments.  Additionally, the Center serves as a meeting site for any scheduled meetings with faculty teaching online courses.

 

Read what others have to say about the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center & Allied Health Wing below:

Student Spotlight:
What do you like about taking classes at the Erma Byrd Center?

"Convenience and close to home. I like that it's a new facility and everyone is so nice!"

~Elizabeth Thomas, Bluefield State College Nursing Student (2017)

Student Spotlight:
What do you like about taking classes at the Erma Byrd Center?

"It is a nice campus that is close to home! And, it needs to be bigger so that we can have even more classes here so we don't have to drive to Athens!

~Tabitha Atkins, Concord University Business Administration in Accounting (2016)

Student Spotlight:
What do you like about taking classes at the Erma Byrd Center?

"I like that it is close to where I work and live which makes it convenient!"

~Jessica Thompson, Concord University, Business Management Student (2016)

Student Spotlight:
What do you like about taking classes at the Erma Byrd Center?

"The convenience; and, you are able to get the same education close to home rather than travelling to the main university campus."

~Carla Raynes, Marshall University, Nursing - Post Masters FNP Graduate Student (2016)

Faculty Spotlight:
What do you enjoy most about teaching at the Erma Byrd Center?

"It is a great location that is close to everything!  I also like the fact that I have students from all different walks of life (i.e., students coming back to school, students just getting out of the military, and traditional students)!

~Dr. Kelli Mann, Anatomy & Physiology Instructor (2016)

Faculty Spotlight:
What do you enjoy most about teaching at the Erma Byrd Center & Allied Health Wing?

"Both are beautiful facilities and the technology is up-to-date! Everyone is friendly and works together collaboratively at the Center and at the WVHEPC's Allied Health Wing.  Additionally, all of the staff are exceptionally friendly!  We all work together!"

~Cheryl Winter, Associate Professor of Nursing, Bluefield State College (2016)

Faculty Spotlight:
What do you enjoy most about teaching at the Erma Byrd Center?

"It is close to home! And, I can also meet and work with local students (from the Beckley and surrounding areas).  Working at the Erma Byrd Center gives me an opportunity to interact with faculty members from other institutions as well."

~Dr. Charles Bethel, Marshall University Assistant Professor, Leadership Studies (2016)